We might not have gambled, but East Noble juniors and seniors definitely enjoyed a trip to Vegas last Saturday afternoon. From giant dice to dazzling dresses to an awesome prom court and more, prom 2017 definitely showered us with an abundance of riches.

Around 300 students arrived in the auxiliary gym before six o’clock for the Grand March, emceed, as always, by former theatre director Mr. Craig Munk. Most students were accompanied by a date while others walked with a friend or two in clutch. All the same, everyone was smiling and looked great in their tuxes and gowns.

Seniors Saturnina Dominguez and Rodrigo Aguirre were crowned prom queen and king and received thunderous applause from their fellow students while junior couple Adam Dills and Kyra Warren became prom prince and princess. The four celebrated at the Event Center with an exclusive dance dedicated just to them. Nina Dominguez herself couldn’t seem to stop smiling.

“I’m so happy, thankful, and shocked all at the same time,” she said when asked about the victory. “It feels so awesome to know that the majority of my class voted for me to represent our whole class at prom. This has showed me that you don’t have to be a size two, tall, blonde, and picture-perfect to be a queen. You can be all the opposite things and still have amazing people who support and love you. And to have that support is beyond words. I’m so thankful for everyone who voted for me.”

One would expect a night in Vegas to be crazy and wild, but our students showcased just how awesome and supporting they are at the Event Center following Grand March. Friends respected and supported each other as they chatted over a chicken and lasagna dinner, danced to classics like the “Cha-Cha Slide,” and huddled together to take some selfies.

At one point a student began to break-dance near the edge of the dance floor. His movements were imperfect, of course, but he busted them with a smile on his face. His classmates responded with shouts of approval and moved from the center of the dance floor to surround him and cheer him on. Another student was seen comforting an upset fellow student and inviting her to dance.

“Prom was an amazing, memorable night that wouldn’t have been possible without friends,” said Kyra Warren, the prom princess herself.

Aside from all the camaraderie, this year’s prom will also be remembered for its outstanding decorations. Tables draped in black tablecloths featured poker chips of various colors, fake dollar bills of all increments, necklaces beaded with dice, spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs, and even fancy decks of cards with “East Noble High School – Prom 2017” written across the front. Our student council has really outdone itself this time and should be commended for making the night so special. The Event Center staff provided excellent service as well, but our students seemed to enjoy their chocolate fountain more than anything.

The night concluded at 11:00 PM and fizzled out over the next few days through appreciative social media posts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The prom buzz in the hallways still hasn’t died down, in fact. A trip to Vegas might have been just what our students needed to combat AP testing, finals, and the rest of the challenges these last five weeks of school have to offer.